Store Bought Cinnamon Rolls in Cast Iron: The Perfect Quick and Delicious Breakfast
Introduction
Store bought cinnamon rolls in cast iron are the ultimate way to take your breakfast game to the next level with minimal effort. You get the convenience of pre-made dough and the magic of cast iron cooking, which transforms a simple store-bought product into something extraordinary. I still remember the first time I baked cinnamon rolls in a cast iron skillet—it was a happy accident that quickly became a favorite in my household. The result? Crispy on the bottom, soft and gooey on the inside, and perfectly caramelized with the icing melting into every crevice. If you’re looking for an easy and tasty breakfast, this recipe will give you the perfect balance of delicious and effortless. Let’s dive in!
Why Bake Store Bought Cinnamon Rolls in a Cast Iron Skillet?
You might wonder, why store bought cinnamon rolls in cast iron? The answer is simple: cast iron skillets provide even heat distribution, giving your cinnamon rolls a unique texture. You get a wonderfully crispy bottom, and the rest of the roll stays soft and gooey—much better than the traditional oven-baking method. Plus, it saves time. No need to make dough from scratch; the pre-made rolls give you all the flavor without the work. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a quick sweet treat, this method works every time.
What You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
1 can of store bought cinnamon rolls (I recommend using Pillsbury or any other brand you like, complete with icing)
2 tbsp butter (for greasing the skillet)
Optional: Chopped nuts, fruit, or a sprinkle of brown sugar to elevate the flavor
The Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Store Bought Cinnamon Rolls in Cast Iron
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Skillet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). As the oven heats, prepare your cast iron skillet by greasing it with butter. You want to make sure the cinnamon rolls don’t stick to the skillet, and the butter will also help achieve that perfect golden-brown, crispy bottom.
Step 2: Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Open the can of cinnamon rolls and carefully unroll them. Arrange the rolls in your greased cast iron skillet. Place them close together, but don’t overcrowd them—leave just enough space for the rolls to expand as they bake. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the perfect time to add a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or any other nuts you enjoy. You can also toss in some sliced apples or pears for a fruit twist.
Step 3: Bake the Rolls
Place the skillet in the oven and bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the dough is cooked through. You’ll notice the cast iron helps them bake evenly, with a perfect crispy bottom and a soft, pillowy interior. The cinnamon and sugar will melt into the dough, creating those lovely gooey pockets we all crave.
Step 4: Icing Time!
Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, remove the skillet from the oven. Immediately drizzle the included icing over the rolls while they’re still warm. The heat from the cinnamon rolls will melt the icing and soak it into every layer. It’s the perfect finishing touch!
Tips for the Perfect Store Bought Cinnamon Rolls in Cast Iron
Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Leave enough space between the rolls for them to expand as they bake. Overcrowding can cause them to bake unevenly.
Add extras for extra flavor: Pecans, walnuts, chocolate chips, or even a touch of maple syrup can take these cinnamon rolls to the next level.
Serve hot: Cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the skillet. Serve them immediately for the ultimate gooey experience.
Variations of Store Bought Cinnamon Rolls in Cast Iron
While the basic cinnamon roll recipe is delicious on its own, you can try these fun variations:
Cinnamon Roll Casserole
For a breakfast twist, turn your store bought cinnamon rolls in cast iron into a casserole! Simply tear up the rolls into smaller pieces and layer them in the skillet. Pour a simple egg custard mixture (eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla) over the rolls and bake it as a casserole. This will create a cinnamon roll casserole with the crispy edges and gooey custard in between.
Savory Cinnamon Rolls
Looking to make something unique? You can create a savory version of store bought cinnamon rolls in cast iron by skipping the icing and adding cheese, herbs, and even cooked bacon to the center of the rolls. These savory cinnamon rolls are perfect for a brunch that’s a bit different from the norm.
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Store Bought Cinnamon Rolls in Cast Iron
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (based on a can of store-bought cinnamon rolls)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy and delicious recipe for store-bought cinnamon rolls in a cast iron skillet elevates a simple breakfast into something extraordinary. The cast iron provides an even heat distribution, giving the cinnamon rolls a crispy, golden-brown bottom and a soft, gooey center. Perfect for brunch or a quick treat, this method guarantees that your cinnamon rolls are baked to perfection with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 can of store-bought cinnamon rolls (including icing)
2 tbsp butter (for greasing the skillet)
Optional: Chopped nuts, fruit, or extra cinnamon for topping
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Skillet: Grease a cast iron skillet with butter to prevent the cinnamon rolls from sticking.
Arrange the Rolls: Place the cinnamon rolls in the skillet, ensuring they are close together but not overcrowded.
Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the center is cooked through.
Add the Icing: Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the included icing over the hot cinnamon rolls while they’re still warm.
Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
If you want to add extra flavor, sprinkle some chopped pecans, walnuts, or even brown sugar on top before baking.
You can prepare the rolls in advance and store them in the fridge overnight to bake the next morning for an easy, no-fuss breakfast.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use any kind of store bought cinnamon rolls in cast iron?
Yes! Any variety of store bought cinnamon rolls in cast iron will work. For the best results, choose rolls with a higher filling content and soft dough for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the cinnamon rolls the night before, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just bake them as directed, and you’ll have a fresh, warm breakfast with no morning rush.
Q: Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the cinnamon rolls in the skillet before baking. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven and add about 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time. No need to thaw—just pop them in frozen and enjoy a warm, crispy treat!
Final Thoughts on Store Bought Cinnamon Rolls in Cast Iron
Baking store bought cinnamon rolls in cast iron is an easy way to impress your family or guests with minimal effort. The crispy, golden bottom and gooey center make them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a late-night snack. By using simple ingredients and a cast iron skillet, you can create a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent without having to spend hours in the kitchen. Give this method a try the next time you’re craving cinnamon rolls—you won’t be disappointed!